The third mainstay of our Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) policy, Governance, groups together a number of complex subjects which have already been thoroughly examined and overseen either by the Groupe MD, CFO and/or General counsel.

Our policy: Constantly improve our management and the organisation of our activities.
Our objective: Ensure that we always fully anticipate and control the functioning of the company.

Many themes associated with the Governance and economic performances of the Groupe are fully detailed in the Reference Document.

Two important landmarks were reached during 2009:

-    The new edition of the internal document detailing all main Groupe policies, called "Janus", has been expanded in various domains. This internal document, which has been widely circulated within the Groupe, is the indispensable reference for all managers and their teams concerning all aspects of company life.

-    The Groupe's willingness to set up more structured CSR Reporting this year within the GRI framework, selecting a number of indicators for 2009. This step represents a firm and irrevocable commitment by Publicis Groupe. It includes the extension of financial reporting tools to new territories, the mobilisation of the financial teams, the Shared Service Centers and agencies to generate and communicate new information. These high standards respond to requests from employees anxious to understand our commitment to the company; from clients who ask with increasing frequency for proof of our action, rather than our intentions; and from investors who are broadening their questions as they are aware that only sustainable value creation has any true worth.


Finally, it is important to highlight that the Shared Service Centers are playing an increasingly important role by actively participating in the global efficiency of the whole Groupe organisation. These centres check that regulations and internal procedures are respected and that the Groupe is in compliance with legal standards in all of its markets, as well as ensuring that fraud risk is reduced. Publicis Groupe is renowned for its savoir faire in this domain and we wish to pursue our efforts in this field to keep ahead of our competitors.